are receiving primaquine. It should not be given to pregnant women because this drug
readily reaches the fetus.
f. Supply. Quinacrine (Atabrine) is available as 100-mg quinacrine
hydrochloride tablets.
6-34. TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
a. Indications. Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) is an alternate drug of
choice for treating Heterophyes heterophyes (intestinal fluke).
b. Usual Dosage. A single dose of 0.12-ml/kg of body weight up to a maximum
of 5-ml is given in capsule form. The client should be kept on bed rest for 4 hours
following therapy. A purge should not be given as it may increase side effects and
reduce effectiveness of the drug. The client must avoid alcohol and fatty foods 24 hours
prior to and also after therapy. Food should be withheld during the day of therapy. Two
or more treatments at 4- to 7-day intervals may be necessary to effect a complete cure.
c. Adverse Effects. This drug is relatively free of side effects if administered
correctly. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, dizziness, and drowsiness may
occur. Fainting and hypotensive episodes have been reported in severely anemic
clients.
d. Cautions and Warnings.
(1) It should not be taken with fatty foods or alcohol as they will increase the
systemic absorption of tetrachloroethylene and side effects.
(2)
It should not be used in the treatment of small, severely ill children.
(3) It is contraindicated in pregnancy, hepatic disease, gastroenteritis,
alcoholism, and clients undergoing heavy metal therapy.
(4)
It should be stored in a cool dark place; broken capsules should not be
used.
(5) Stool specimens should be checked at the end of a week to determine
effectiveness of therapy.
e. Supply. Tetrachloroethylene is supplied in 1-ml capsules.
6-35. THIABENDAZOLE
a. Indications. Thiabendazole (Mintezol) is the drug of choice for the treatment
of Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm) and cutaneous larva migrans (creeping
MD0913
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